South African-born defender Nikola Tavares has taken what could be seen as a huge leap towards the big time, after being named the captain of English Premier League (EPL) side Crystal Palace’s under-23 side.

The 19-year-old – who has been on Bafana coach Stuart Baxter for quite some time now – led the side on their 4-0 win over Charlton Athletic in the EPL’s reserve league and is within touching distance of a place in the London club’s first team.

Nikola Tavares scores captaincy debut with Palace

In his captaincy debut, he started alongside a couple of first-team players, and enjoyed leading his more esteemed teammates.

“[Playing with first-team players] was really good because they understand their roles and are disciplined, so it makes your job a lot easier. I’ve done the last few games as captain now, and I’m enjoying it,” he told the Crystal Palace website.

Potential tug-of-war looms for Baxter

Tavares met with Baxter earlier this year to discuss the prospect of turning out for South Africa in the future, but that may be in jeopardy, as the player – who also holds a Croatian passport – has recently been called up to the World Cup finalists’ Under-20 side.

The centre-back had made an appearance for Croatia prior to his initial meeting with the Englishman, but can switch allegiance to South Africa, as he is yet to make a senior appearance for his adopted country.

Tavares was born in Cape Town, and learned his football at the Hellenic Academy, also based in the Mother City.

After moving to England, he represented the likes of Wolverhampton Wanderers and Brighton and Hove Albion, before signing a professional contract with Palace at the start of last season.